University of Tennessee has new agriculture leader

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — There’s one thing the new leader of the University of Tennessee’s Institute of Agriculture wants Tennesseans to understand: Farming impacts everyone.

“Four out of four people eat,” Carrie Castille said in an interview with Knox News. “And the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is creating real-life solutions every day to be able to help support and improve the quality of life of Tennesseans.”

With agriculture being one of the biggest economic drivers in Tennessee — the industry generated $56.3 billion in 2019 — Castille has the chance to make a real difference as head of one of the state’s essential research centers.

And she’s ready to lead.

“The stars have aligned,” Castille said. “We have strong leadership at UT. We have a governor who gets it. He gets the importance of agriculture and has a farm background as well.”

Growing up in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana — population 7,500 — everything revolved around agriculture, Castille said, and she was right in the middle of it through her community’s 4-H program.

She showed livestock. Her first lamb was named Annie, which she shared during a community forum back in February.

“4-H, for me, is extremely important. 4-H is a part of everything I believe I have become,” Castille said. “It’s taught me how to serve. It’s taught me how to lead. It’s taught me the importance of service learning and also citizenship.”

Historically agriculture-focused, the youth development organization also provides science, technology, engineering and math, civic engagement and healthy living programs.

The 47-year-old most recently served as the director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and helped the agency restore its leadership in 4-H programs...